Filenews 7 February 2024
The Minister of Interior, Mr. Constantinos Ioannou, briefed the Council of Ministers on the results so far of the measures implemented over the last 11 months in relation to migration.
In statements after the end of the meeting of the Council of Ministers, Mr. Ioannou said: "Through a holistic approach that focuses on four axes, we were able to reverse the negative image presented by our country and we are now recording a positive balance. Despite volatile exogenous factors that may affect migration data, in 2023 Cyprus has achieved a 46% reduction in irregular migrant applications and at the same time a 66% increase in returns.
A significant decrease of 72% was also recorded in the number of new asylum seekers from African countries and by 59% in the number of arrivals through the Green Line. Details will be sent to you below.
Following the encouraging results of 2023, January 2024 recorded an equally positive sign. Specifically, in January, 782 persons arrived in Cyprus, the vast majority of them by sea (647 persons, 83%). At the same time, the highest number of people leaving the country was recorded, at 1,081 people, who either opted for the voluntary return scheme or relocation mechanism or were deported.
According to January 2024 data, the percentage of departures over arrivals stood at 138%. While the rest of the European Union Member States record a much lower rate of returns over arrivals – some as high as 1% – Cyprus, with its targeted policies, ranks first at EU level in terms of departures to arrivals and fourth in absolute numbers of returns and expulsions.
In addition, I should mention that at the moment the residents of Pournara are around 526, which is the lowest number of residents for many years.
For these encouraging results, we received praise from Commissioner Johansson, who called on other countries to follow Cyprus' example, as well as from our European partners and officials from migration agencies such as UNHCR and EUAA.
At the same time, however, increased arrivals by sea are of particular concern. In 2023, we have seen a 355% increase in arrivals of irregular migrants via sea routes, the vast majority of whom are of Syrian origin. It is tragic that these people are being trafficked from Syria and Lebanon by migrant smuggling rings. For this reason, our aim is then to strengthen the effort to combat smugglers networks and better monitor the Lebanese coast.
The issue was discussed at length during Commissioner Johansson's recent visit, to which I conveyed the need for the European Commission to take more active action to try to tackle smugglers better and more effectively. It was agreed that Europol would be more involved, as provided for in the Eastern Mediterranean Action Plan. At national level, we have set up a unit in cooperation with the Aliens and Immigration Service of the Cyprus Police, in order to coordinate and enhance operational capability.
Finally, I would like to remind you of the initiative taken by the Cypriot Government since last summer to reassess Syria's status, on the basis of the actual data prevailing in the country at that time and following the assessment made by the European Agency for Migration, the European Asylum Agency, according to which two areas of Syria are considered safe. By April, the new evaluation plan by the Agency shall be completed. A possible conclusion at European level to designate specific areas in the country as safe would allow the return of Syrian nationals to them to be promoted, under strict conditions that would ensure their protection.
In addition, as recently announced, in 2024 our goal is to examine asylum applications within 30 days, which is mostly already in place, to reinforce with additional staff the Return Office to further strengthen returns and to tighten up smugglers of irregular migrants.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that migration is a volatile issue, influenced by various external factors. Hence the need for vigilance and preparedness at all levels. The recommendation of the Deputy Ministry of Migration, which is expected to be voted on next week, will undoubtedly contribute to this direction. The concentration of migration-related responsibilities under the umbrella of a Deputy Ministry is essential to maintain the positive results and further improve them."
Asked by media representatives to give more information on actions to combat migrant smuggling networks, Mr. Ioannou explained that it was agreed with Ms. Johansson to set up a trilateral team, with members of Europol and Interpol, the Cyprus Police and the Lebanese authorities, in order to have better results. As the Minister of the Interior said, Europol's involvement gives greater weight to the whole effort.
Asked if the initiative of the Republic of Cyprus for the reassessment of the Syrian regime finds fertile ground at EU level, the Minister replied positively, noting that in private meetings with his counterparts, "the majority accepts and admits the fact that something needs to be done to reassess it. There are still some reactions from some countries that have a weighty opinion, so the climate, in short, is positive. Important for us is the evaluation by the European Asylum Agency that will be ready next April. Any conclusion that some areas should indeed be recognized as safe will be a catalyst for the decisions taken by the EU."
